Having ended their trophy drought with Carabao Cup success last season, Newcastle United now have work to do in the transfer market.
With a return to the Champions League, the Magpies need to strengthen their squad to compete at the highest level, but despite boss Eddie Howe making it known that he is looking to work fast this summer, the Magpies have missed out on several of their top targets so far.
The Saudi-backed club were without any major recruits over the past two seasons due to PSR rules, and started the summer with a big move for Anthony Elanga – with the Nottingham Forest winger joining in a deal worth £55m – but have been thwarted in attempts to sign Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and James Trafford.
And it means that there are a big three weeks ahead for the Magpies ahead of the start of the 2025/26 season and the transfer deadline on 1 September, with the club desperately needing to strengthen in several key positions.
Here’s everything you need to know about Newcastle United’s summer transfer plans:
Arrivals & areas to improve
There are four key areas of improvement this summer. The first is up front, with the club seemingly hunting for another striker to join – or potentially replace – the prolific Alexander Isak. Despite the club being desperate to hold onto their talisman, the Swede is exploring other options and seemingly wants to join Liverpool.
Newcastle needed reinforcements on the right flank too as they prepare to do battle in the Champions League, and with squad depth likely playing a key part in their recruitment plan this summer, the club sealed a deal for Elanga earlier this month.
In midfield, the Magpies have plenty of options, with the likes of Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes probably in no need of additional support. However, another central defender would be a major plus as the club returns to Europe’s top club competition, with Guehi having been the notable target last summer.
Finally, Newcastle have been linked to signing a new goalkeeper, which has become an apparent area that would benefit from improvement. Despite Nick Pope’s class, his injury record has sometimes meant Howe is forced to contend with his his back-up. James Trafford appeared to top the list of targets, but the Burnley stopper now looks set for a return to Manchester City.
Done deals
Ins: Anthony Elanga (Nottingham Forest, £55m), Antonito Cordero (Malaga, free transfer)
Outs: Lloyd Kelly (Juventus, £15m), Sean Longstaff (Leeds United, £12m) Jamal Lewis (out of contract), Callum Wilson (out of contract)
Potential targets
Benjamin Sesko, RB Leipzig
As the club braces for a monster bid from Liverpool for wantaway Isak, Newcastle are eyeing up RB Leipzig frontman Benjamin Sesko as his potential replacement. The Slovenian striker was heavily touted with a move to Arsenal earlier in the window, but the German club held firm on his £70m price tag. After already being pipped to Hugo Ekitike by the Reds, a hefty cash windfall from the sale of Isak would no doubt provide them with the funds to complete the move.
Yoane Wissa, Brentford
Newcastle are also said to now be interested in Brentford’s Yoane Wissa as they look to bolster their attacking options. The Congo international could be available for around £50m, with the Bees holding that valuation for their record goalscorer, who grabbed 20 goals in all competitions last season. However, as Newcastle begin to accept the reality that they may now be without their superstar striker, their interest in Wissa – who would be seen as more of a support act to Isak – is starting to cool.
Aaron Ramsdale, Southampton
Newcastle are in talks with Southampton over the signing of goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale, according to Sky Sports. The deal under discussion is for a loan with an option to buy, although there has been no official bid so far. This comes after the Magpies were pipped to the signing of Trafford by Man City.
Randal Kolo Muani, PSG
Reports have emerged that the Magpies could be interested in Randal Kolo Muani after their failed pursuit of Ekitike. They are said to want a striker whether or not Isak leaves, and the PSG man – who spent last season on loan at Juventus – could be a good cut-price option.
Axel Disasi, Chelsea
Reports from France continue to link Axel Disasi to Newcastle, as was the case during the January window. Chelsea signed the centre-back for around £38m and could be open to a sale, with the Frenchman having spent the second half of last season on loan at Aston Villa.
